Two Recognized as All-State Choral Participants
CLEARFIELD – High school music students recently invited members of the Clearfield school board to its annual spring instrumental and choral concerts.
The instrumental concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12, while the choral concert is set for the same time on Thursday, May 19.
“Our music students are proud and would love for you all to attend,” said Bison Band President KayLee Bowser on behalf of her fellow members.
“. . . We are also aware that the music programs are in danger at surrounding schools with all the budget cuts. We’re worried about the future of our own.”
According to her, the high school’s music program leaves its door open for any student to participate, regardless of their background. “And, we take great pride and want you to join in our joy for music.”
She added their music program doesn’t only consist of the five Bison Band officers who were present at the board meeting with her. Instead, its membership includes 120 other students, she said.
Many of the high school’s musicians have qualified for All-State Performing Ensembles. The district has been represented almost every year over the last 30 years, added Teacher Mel McConnell.
“Within the last four years, we’ve had five students make it all the way to states,” he said. This year, students Vince Kovach and Jacob Mandell were All-State Choral participants.
Both sophomores had just returned home from Hershey, where they sang in the All-State Choir under the direction of Dr. Christopher Kiver of Penn State.
Mandell placed sixth in the Tenor 2 section of 30 young men. Kovach placed 17th in the same section, McConnell said. Mandell also competed and was awarded a two-measure solo in Robert Schumann’s “Zu Guten Lieben.”
